Match Detail

After a disappointing defeat in our last game, Salters looked to get back on track against Premier League opposition Boca Seniors. Salters were missing a few players and only had 3 substitutes available for this game. However it is fitness and preparation that is more important and we can be reasonably happy that we gained in both respects.

The match started at a decent pace with both teams trying to get a hold of the ball and make some passes. Boca were using both full backs and bringing the forwards in to play as quick as possible playing some nice football. Salters were not as fluent but we defended well and made the better of the chances. Chances fell to Richard Murray who headed the ball past the post from 2 yards out, Stephen Brown who touched a through ball just wide of the far post and Paul Nelson who hit the bar with a header. Salters did take the lead after excellent wing play from Richard Murray. Richard got the ball wide, beat the defender and crossed the ball to the penalty area where Paul Milligan arrived to slot home. It was a great piece of wing play from Richard. Boca equalised just before half time when a similarly excellent peace of play and cross from the big left back caused havoc in the Salters penalty box, allowing the striker to tap home. John Paget in goals had to pull off a couple of decent saves and Boca had the majority of the ball; however Salters kept them at bay to go in 1-1 at half time.

The start to the second half was disastrous for Salters. First a long ball down the centre was controlled by the forward, who then squared the ball for the other attacker to tap home. Moments later Boca scored again, another long ball clearing the defence and allowing the striker time and space to easily slot the ball home. Salters had to react quickly and we did. We pulled a goal back after being awarded a free kick on the left hand side. Shane Thomson floated a great ball in and Richard Murray headed home to make it 3-2. Richard Scored again after a neat peace of play led to Stephen Brown playing Richard clean through, he calmly rolled the ball home. Richard then got his hat trick from a free kick 20 yards out after being fouled. He stepped up and curled the ball home. Richard got his fourth of the game after great play down the right hand side led to full back Kris Murdoch hitting the bye line and sending in an excellent cross to the back post for Richard to bundle home. Boca were by no means out of the game as play went from end to end. They kept trying to play football and kept pressing, however Salters held on for the 5-3 win.

This was another excellent test for Salters and great preparation for the season starting. Again we defended extremely well, particularly in the first half. In the second half we passed the ball better, closed Boca down and were on top of the game for long spells.  More importantly the fitness of the team is getting better every week and we went right to the last minute in soaring heat.

Best of luck to Boca for the season ahead.

Team: John Paget, Kris Mudoch, Ryan Newton, Michael Jones, Mikey Thomson (Neil Wilson), Richard Murray, Shane Thomson (Stephen Crawford), Danny Watson, Stephen Brown (Paul Kivlin), Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan.